Off To School
As it dawns, the sun climbs steadily out of the eastern sky, smiling on the world. Still early, the birds have not begun their songs and children are still in dreamland.
But Peter is no longer a child. And he is about to take a big step in his life.
Three days ago, he had gotten admission to study his dream course Electrical Engineering in his dream school, the University of Ibadan.
As expected, the news had been met with lots of joy from friends and family. Seeing as he had been seeking this admission for the past two years.
Since he left secondary school, he had to watch his mates go off to higher Institutions and coming back with glorious tales of how much fun school was.
This year, he swore never to be a listener anymore, but to be the storyteller. So he doubled his reading, upped his game, and aced all tests. And the University had no choice but to offer him admission.
He wanted to begin his screening on time, so the next few days had been occupied with getting all his documents and luggage ready. His mom bought foodstuffs and beverages for him. They were so much he had to wonder how he would fit them all into his bag.
"I know how you eat, Peter," she told him when he complained. "I give you only two weeks, and you'll finish it all. Watch and see."
Last night, while he had been unable to sleep due to the excitement for the journey that lay ahead, his mother had come into his bedroom. And for over two hours, they had serious talks.
She cautioned him against joining bad gangs while in school, urging him to remember the son of whom he was. He was just an extension of the family there in Ibadan and it was his duty to portray the family in a good light.
"I know mummy," he said for the umpteenth time. "I'll make you proud. I'll be the best student. I promise."
"That's what everyone who goes there says every time. But the environment changes you, it's unavoidable. What you get to choose is if it's going to be a good change or a bad change. You can only decide."
And now, her advice still fresh in his mind, he pulls out the handle of his portmanteau. As he bends to pick the bag containing his foodstuffs, she beats him to it.
"Let me see you off." She says, leading the way.
As they open the door to leave, he hears his younger sister's footsteps behind him.
"Brother Peter, where are you going?"
He lets out a sigh. He had been hoping he would sneak off while she was sleeping. He didn't want to see her cry.
He kneels before her, "hello Barbie, I told you I got admission. I'm going to school now."
She wipes her eyes sleepily as she yawns. To her, 'school' means going in the morning and coming home in the evening. "So I'll see you in the evening, right?"
"No Barbie, I'm not coming home today."
"Then when are you coming home?"
"Mummy will tell you," he says, he doesn't want to tell her he has no idea how long his trip would take. "I need you to be a good girl for me and mummy, okay? And be strong as well. I'll also get you that Barbie doll on my way back."
She smiles, "okay. Come back fast. Please."
"I will," he mutters, getting back to his feet.
"Come on Barbie," his Mom takes her by the hand. "Let us see him off together."
They walk out of the house into the street, the sky is bright enough to light their path. As they walk, their feet crunching over the rough ground, they chat amiably.
And suddenly, they are at the bus station. His mum leads the way to the ticket booth. A young man comes and takes the bag from her to the bus Peter was going to enter.
"So, here we are." She says finally, handing the ticket to him. "You can remember everything I told you?"
"Yes, mummy, " Suddenly, he's not too keen on getting on the bus. This is going to be his first time living without his family. He will have to make all the decisions and do everything himself. How on earth could he do that?
He can tell she knows what's going through his mind, she caresses his face.
"You'll be fine, my Prince." She tells him, he instinctively leans into her touch. "I promise you."
He feels his eyes begin to water, but he blinks them back. Oh, he's going to miss them so much.
"I love you so much, mom," he mutters and hugs her. It's a long hug, full of love and affection. And when it's over, he feels refreshed and strengthened. He turns to Barbie and hugs her as well.
"Take care of yourself." His mother says as he turns toward the bus.
"You too, mum."
"Bye-bye brother!" Barbie cries.
Not wanting to say goodbye, he blows her a kiss.
And he climbs aboard.
They stand outside till the bus fills up. Then they wave at him until they pull out of the station.
Peter's heart is racing with fear of the unknown, but also with excitement. He is anxious to see what school life has in store for him.
Gazing through the window, he watches the buildings sail by. And he knows without an iota of doubt in his mind.
He will be fine indeed.
The End.
Thank you for reading.